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by a vampire, I have the right to use any means at my disposal to retaliate.”
    Alexa hesitated. The smell of sweat and horse, dirt and whiskey permeated his skin and made her glad she didn’t need to breathe. Her gumline throbbed, her fangs attempting to engage and slip down from the soft folds of her gum tissue. She kept them scrupulously in check.
    He is ruthless, uncouth, and uncultured , Enric reminded her. Everything distained by our kind. Do not forget that, Alexa.
    I am aware , she shot back mentally, not needing the reminder. They had a name for Hunters like this in her corner of the world:
    Slayers .
    Slayers killed without compunction or thought, without plan or intellect. To kill and keep from being killed were their only immediate goals. They were primitive and dangerous.
    She wanted to refuse Mr. Jackson, but at what cost?
    Vlad wants Mr. Jackson at any cost, Enric reminded her, growing impatient. If the Slayer won’t come willingly, we will kidnap him as planned.
    Alexa shot Enric a small frown. Having a willing Slayer aboard will be far safer than an abducted one bent on revenge.
    Alexa reminded herself of her duty and stiffened her spine and returned her steady gaze across the cluttered desk to meet Mr. Jackson’s dark blue eyes. “Agreed.” Reluctantly . “Anything else?”
    â€œYes. I want to stop somewhere before we go. I have an inventor friend I think can help us.”
    â€œCertain—”
    â€œAnd I want your promise that no matter what happens, you’ll bring me home when this is all over. Dead or alive.”
    Alexa looked at the imperial envoy, Enric. You notice he didn’t mention undead . Enric’s voice, laced with amusement, filtered through her thoughts.
    I certainly did. Can you read his thoughts?
    No. They’re blocked. He frowned slightly. It poses a risk to have a trained Hunter aboard who can shield himself like this.
    Alexa’s mouth flattened into a determined line. We are at far greater risk from Rathe and the other Darkin aligned with him. We must recover our piece of the Book at any cost.
    You are right.
    She caught Winn’s hard stare and offered her hand. “Agreed.”
    Winn took it and shook it twice. His grip was firm but not punishing. He was a man who meant what he said and said what he meant. Perhaps there was no reason she needed to read his mind when his emotions were so boldly displayed on his features and his words were so plain.
    Relieved that they hadn’t had to forcibly kidnap him, Alexa’s shoulders relaxed. This had gone more easily than she’d imagined, although she suspected that Winchester Jackson wasn’t an “easy” man. He was far more complex and deep than he let on. But Alexa had had hundreds of years to learn how to deal with complicated, difficult men. For now she’d enjoy her victory. She offered him a small smile. “We shall depart within the hour. Will that give you sufficient time to pack?”
    â€œI already did.”
    His response took her aback, making an uncomfortable tingle skitter up the back of her bare neck. If he’d planned to go with them all along, why did he act so hesitant, and why all the conditions?
    It didn’t matter, she firmly reminded herself. Vlad would be pleased she’d accomplished her diplomatic mission regardless. And the sooner she got away from Mr. Winchester Jackson, the safer she’d feel.
    A slight scuffling noise and the uneasy shuffle of horse hooves caught her attention. Alexa cocked her head to listen, her preternatural hearing particularly acute.
    Mr. Jackson’s nostrils flared slightly. His gaze flicked to the door, and his eyes narrowed. “We’ve got company. Your people?”
    â€œNo.” Enric raised a brow. “There’s someone outside.” The clack of Mr. Jackson’s cocking his rifle caused her gaze to dart back to the Slayer. In just the brief second she’d looked away,